RIFAN

Hi, Guess it's time to come over to this thread since I've already introduced myself in the newcomers' thread. As I said in that thread--this whole unclipped jacket flap "flap" was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. Have been reading this board for a few years--had to join to put in my two cents about the unclipped flap. How anyone could even notice a jacket flap when you've got those shoulders to stare it is beyond me!! (Maybe it just doesn't bother me because I am one who has occasionally been known to have a tag sticking out of the top of my sweater.) Okay--now for the favorites--had to really think about this one and had to play a few songs again just to be sure--anything in the name of research. 1. Favorite song--IYDKMBN--It took me forever to find that song--no K-Mart near us--not able to use iTunes back then. A lovely fan that I met at the summer concert in NH sent it to me. So, after waiting a whole year, I finally had it. Well worth the wait. At 1:10 the way he sings "chilllren-uh" just gets me every time. I could go on, but you get the idea. Favorite Christmas song (Oh, am I cheating by putting two songs--sorry): AIW--because everytime I hear that song, I think of Merrillville (in 2006) when the entire Claynation had our fingers crossed right along with him. I always say that I think he felt that support and nailed that sucker and he's been nailing it ever since. (Not even going to comment on how he nailed it in Merrillville 2007--I'm too much of a lady.) 2. Favorite live tv performance--GMA--July 29, 2005--Suspicious Minds--Because I knew that I was going to see THAT MAN that very night at Mohegan Sun. 3. Favorite Concert--JBT--Seeing Clay in a leather jacket on top of a piano and then channeling the spirit of Elvis--just doesn't get much better. Too bad that couldn't be made into a tv special. Don't think you'd have too many folks complaining about jacket flaps if they saw that!!

Hi All Just wanted to introduce myself. Have been reading and enjoying this board for several years. Like you, I tend to get upset when fans use these boards as an opportunity to criticize every little thing Clay does. My reasons for joining a board are to support Clay, to celebrate him and to communicate with others who love him as much as I do. He is such a gift (and not too bad on the eyes, either!!). I probably would have just gone on lurking, but the comment someone quoted from another board about the unclipped backflap just sent me right over the edge!! I never even noticed the backflap--guess I was too focused on those broad shoulders straining away on the jacket's fabric. ( Funny I remember reading about a similar incident back during the early part of AI2 when the backflap was unclipped and people seemed to think it was charming at the time.) Have not been able to get into the OFC--guess they are not taking new members right now. But, from what I read here sounds like there may be a lot of negativity over there--not sure I have the stomach for it. I will keep trying, though, because I really want to be able to read those blogs and next time I'd like to try for a meet and greet. Have been lucky enough to go to each concert once--starting with NAT in Rhode Island--last one was CITH at Mohegan. May play the game of "What's Your Favorite," but not sure I'll be able to choose--have loved them all. Not sure the intro. was supposed to be this long, but when it comes to Clay, I tend to get a little carried away. RIFAN